Though it really should not come as a surprise to anyone, THR reports that actor Peter Mayhew has joined the cast for J.J. Abrams Star Wars Episode VII as Chewbacca.

Mayhew played the Wookiee in all three of the original Star Wars movies as Han Solo's friend and co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon as well as making an appearance in Episode III. Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn revealed the other day that filming on the new movie has already begun. Other original cast members expected to return are Mark Hamil, Harison Ford and Carrie Fisher. Official cast announcements are expected to be made soon. Star Wars: Episode VII, is being directed by J.J. Abrams and is slated to hit theaters Dec. 18, 2015.